Sheffield Wednesday: Fish out of water Wiggins happy to come up north

Liam Hoden

He is a self-confessed southern boy so Rhoys Wiggins has certainly emerged from his comfort zone to join Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls’ new left back - signed from Charlton Athletic on Thursday - was born and raised in London and, barring a short stint with Norwich City, has plied his trade no further north than the capital.

So relocating 160-odd miles up the M1 was no easy decision for Wiggins.

And it is one he insists he would not have taken if he was not convinced of Wednesday’s ambitions.

“It was a big part of me moving up north,” the 27-year-old said.

“I’m a southern boy so moving up north could be quite daunting.

“I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t feel the club was ambitious.

“I could easily have stuck with Charlton and seen out my contract.

“But I wanted to come here, play games and be in a successful side.”

What appeared to be a simple transfer for an out-of-favour player became a protracted affair with Wiggins finally sealing his deal, almost a fortnight after initially undergoing a medical with Wednesday.

He admits he was confused himself by the delay and insists there was no complications with his medical assessment.

Wiggins said: “I had to be patient and make sure everything was correct.

“I’m not sure why it was so prolonged. I think it was because I had a lengthy contract with Charlton and a few things needed ironing out.

“I passed my medical. I did that the first time I came up.

“I’ve had a few injuries but they’ve cleared up and I’m fit and healthy.

“Thankfully everything got done in the end.

“It’s what I wanted to do once I knew Wednesday were interested.”

Wiggins made 21 appearances for Charlton last season but just six in the second half of the campaign.

He feels his Addicks career went on a downward spiral due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

And he says a fresh start elsewhere was exactly what he needed.

“I was injured through the change of manager last season,” Wiggins said.

“He just decided on his team and they did well when he came in.

“I found myself coming out of the side at the wrong time. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“I think I just needed to start over.

“I’ve got to win the fans and the players over and gain their respect.

“It was an easy decision for me to make.”

Wiggins joined in training with his new team mates for the first time on Thursday and seems unlikely to start against Bristol City today.